penguin
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Unknown origin[1]. Possibly from Welsh pen ("head") and gwyn ("white"). See citations.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
penguin (plural penguins)
- Any of several flightless sea birds, of order Sphenisciformes, found in the Southern Hemisphere; marked by their usual upright stance, walking on short legs, and (generally) their stark black and white plumage.
- (slang) A nun.
- (juggling) A type of catch where the palm of the hand is facing towards the leg with the arm stretched downward, resembling the flipper of a penguin.
[edit] Derived terms
Related terms
[edit] Translations
flightless sea bird
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[edit] References
- ^ T.F. Hoad, Concise Dictionary of English Etymology, ISBN 978-0-19-283098-2; headword penguin